Upon This Rock

Father Don offers thoughts about the importance of putting faith into action as Catholic workers commissioned to live by the social guidelines of our religion. With the election of Pope Leo XIV, there is increased interest in them because of his predecessor, Leo XIII, who wrote an encyclical called “Rerum Novarum,” which set a foundation for the teachings of engagement in society to transform our world into a healthier, holier, and...

As we approach the Feast of Pentecost, Father Don and his sister, Barbie, muse about the Holy Spirit as the promise of Christ and the gift of love. We feel this divine energy in numerous active ways, yet most often in quiet, pensive, or prayerful moments, even in times of darkness. We are reminded that God is always with us, and the Spirit of love is closer to us than we can know. 

Follow Father Don:

Website: farnanspiritualitycenter...

Father Don offers a reflection for Memorial Day as we honor deceased Loved Ones in a directed way at the end of May. In doing so, we celebrate their lives and give thanks. “Opacarophilia,” refers to our attraction to sunsets; spiritualists suggest that we are drawn to sunsets because it helps us find comfort in our future death when the sun sets on our earthly life. The beauty of the sun setting, according to the nature of each day...

Ruth Dakotas grew up in western Kansas, influenced by family, farming, faith, and food. Honoring her past, she promotes a “kitchen spirituality” today that nourishes both body and soul. Driving a significant distance for church services and events, Ruth and her husband, Dan, find nourishment and sacred energy at Saint Therese Little Flower, 58th Street and Euclid Avenue, where she is currently co-chairing the community’s hundredth ...

Steve and Nicole Pierce join Father Don and talk about their life together, which moves from their home as parents and spouses to their vocation as proprietors of Muehlebach Funeral Home. They encounter people at times when they are most vulnerable, such as when they lose a loved one, and, through that, they learn much about human care, emotion, and passion at crucial junctures in our earthly existence.

Follow Father Don:
W...

Dr. and Mrs. Smith (Tim and Trish) continue the second half of their interview with Father Don as he reflects upon his pastoral assignments: Visitation, Saint Therese Little Flower, Saint Louis, Saint John Lalande, Saint Thomas More, and Saint Charles Borromeo before his return to inner city ministry. He plans to live out the remainder of his priesthood in the urban core because of the great need there.

Follow Father Don:
Websit...

One year after our first interview at the end of their freshman year (episode #18), Avila students Hadley Price and Sophia Giorgio update listeners on their college experience. Still playing for the Eagles’ volleyball and baseball programs, they busy themselves as student athletes. Their housing situation changed from the first cycle, and they have broadened their circle of friends. Now they look ahead to planning for life after co...

Tim and Patricia Smith of Saint Francis Xavier Parish interview Father Don in this first of a two-part conversation about growing up in a large Catholic family from rural Missouri. Claiming that people who attend his three urban parishes want to know more about his background, they inquire about his life and formation.

Follow Father Don:
Website: farnanspiritualitycenter.com
Blog: fatherdonfarnan.com
St. Francis Xavier P...

Tim and Jean Donaldson grew up in Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Redemptorist) Parish on Broadway at Linwood Boulevard. They reminisce about their formative years in that Irish Catholic community and the lasting influence it made on them. Their daughter, Katie, the second of four sisters, had a similar experience growing up in south Kansas City at Saint Thomas More School and Church, where her (and her sisters’) children now attend. I...

Jim Kopp is the fifth of eleven siblings. They grew up in Visitation Parish during the 1950s and 1960s, influenced by the childhood priests and nuns. Jim was inspired to attend seminary high school and college for two years each before starting a family and working for the Kansas City Police Department, and later at various places in North America for petroleum companies. 

Along with his childhood friends, he now dedicates apostolic...

Barbie Farnan and Father Don continue their discussion from last week as the topic of forgiveness turns to mercy. They speak of Corporeal Works of Mercy and Pope Francis’ desire for the “mercification” of the world. 

Catholics, through the Penitential Act at Mass and Sacrament of Reconciliation, are inspired to forgive the faults of others and accept God’s divine mercy. Perhaps their dialogue will encourage your conversations with f...

An essential aspect of Christianity, highlighted during Lent, is the concept of forgiveness. Barbie Farnan and her brother, Father Don Farnan, discuss the forgiveness process that is introduced to children at a young age. 

As we mature and navigate more complex relationships and serious issues, forgiveness becomes an even more crucial component of living well. As you listen in, you may discover personal aid in offering and/or receiv...

Sarah Jurcyk joins Father Don and Michael Sanem, Director of Kansas City’s Ignatian Spirituality Center and Director of Mission & Ministry for Saint Francis Xavier (SFX) Parish, to discuss social justice ministries within the church. Parishioners transform faithful prayer into impactful works by focusing upon the dignity of every human person; this spurs them to accompany migrant workers, asylum seekers, refugees, those who suf...

Vincent Gauthier, urban planner, developer, professor of architecture and design, and parishioner of Saint Francis Xavier (SFX) Parish, discusses the history and beauty of the historic SFX worship space with Ann Sheridan, parish administrator, and Father Don. “The fish church” at 52nd and Troost tells an interesting story that includes such greats as Frank Lloyd Wright and Archbishop Edwin O’Hara. 

The seventy-five-year-old structur...

Kevin O’Rourke joins Father Mike Roach to reminisce about growing up Catholic in Kansas City’s northland and how their education, especially at Saint Pius X High School in the early 1970s, impacted their lives. Years later, they reconnected through parochial sports programs and have remained close friends for the past quarter century. Though they approach business, politics, and religion from different perspectives, they have great...

Rhonda Osborn moved from health care provider to spiritual director, life coach, and death doula. In these roles, she helps people reflect upon and create plans regarding important matters, e.g., advanced directives, financial insurance, organization of passwords and personal information, care of pets, celebration of life rituals, etc. Founder of This One Life, LLC, she assists and supports individuals and families in setting goals...

Father Don and his sister Barbie discuss retreat opportunities for people to review life, make plans for the remainder of life and secure wishes for the end of earthly life. Using some well-thought-out programs, the Farnan Spirituality Center will offer mini-retreats this Lent and Summer that help faith-seekers stabilize and better orient their lives while in good health and direct loved ones and caregivers as they age.

Follow Fathe...

Yvette Tunley has been a member of Saint Therese Little Flower (STLF) Parish for most of her life, where she has served in many capacities, from participation in the youth group as a teenager to being youth director and pastoral council chair as an adult. A recently retired city worker, she has developed great organizational skills and uses them to help with many special projects at the parish.

On this podcast, she talks about the u...

Sheilahn Davis-Wyatt, originally from Blessed Sacrament Parish in the urban core, has been part of the St. Therese Little Flower (STLF) faith community since 1991 when her family’s church closed. She is co-chairing the “Journey To 100” as STLF, established in 1925, reaches its centennial during this holy jubilee year.

There are various opportunities for Kansas Citians who were once associated with the parish and/or the Blu...